John Hodges (minstrel)
Encyclopedia
John Hodges was an early blackface
minstrel
entertainer, who wrote or popularized the song Buffalo Gals
, published by him in 1844 under the title 'Lubly Fan'. There is some dispute as to whether he composed the tune or adapted a traditional air.
in 1838, at the Walnut Street Theater, Pittsburgh and specialized in "dandy" roles: in 1842 he was a particular hit as a character called "Fancy Cool" in Silas S. Steele's Philadelphia Assurance. In 1843 he organized the Virginia Serenaders and later a troupe called the Sable Melodists. He later performed as a 'Shakespearian clown' with Spalding and Rogers circus. From about 1855-59 he appeared with Sam Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia. In the 1860s and 1870s he appeared in New York.
In 1879 he also acted the straight role of Uncle Tom in a stage version of the famous anti-slavery melodrama.
. He was also instrumental in founding the Chicago Lodge, 3, of B. P. O. Elks.
He died in Chicago on April 23, 1891.
Blackface
Blackface is a form of theatrical makeup used in minstrel shows, and later vaudeville, in which performers create a stereotyped caricature of a black person. The practice gained popularity during the 19th century and contributed to the proliferation of stereotypes such as the "happy-go-lucky darky...
minstrel
Minstrel show
The minstrel show, or minstrelsy, was an American entertainment consisting of comic skits, variety acts, dancing, and music, performed by white people in blackface or, especially after the Civil War, black people in blackface....
entertainer, who wrote or popularized the song Buffalo Gals
Buffalo Gals
"Buffalo Gals" is a traditional American song, written and published as "Lubly Fan" in 1844 by the blackface minstrel John Hodges, who performed as "Cool White." The song was widely popular throughout the United States...
, published by him in 1844 under the title 'Lubly Fan'. There is some dispute as to whether he composed the tune or adapted a traditional air.
Career
Hodges's stage name was "Cool White". He debuted in PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
in 1838, at the Walnut Street Theater, Pittsburgh and specialized in "dandy" roles: in 1842 he was a particular hit as a character called "Fancy Cool" in Silas S. Steele's Philadelphia Assurance. In 1843 he organized the Virginia Serenaders and later a troupe called the Sable Melodists. He later performed as a 'Shakespearian clown' with Spalding and Rogers circus. From about 1855-59 he appeared with Sam Sanford's Minstrels in Philadelphia. In the 1860s and 1870s he appeared in New York.
In 1879 he also acted the straight role of Uncle Tom in a stage version of the famous anti-slavery melodrama.
Retirement from the stage and death
By 1887 White appears to have retired from performance, becoming stage manager for Hooley's Theatre in ChicagoChicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
. He was also instrumental in founding the Chicago Lodge, 3, of B. P. O. Elks.
He died in Chicago on April 23, 1891.